A national assessment of the pediatric supply chain outlined several ongoing challenges that could limit access to care for children in the U.S. The report was developed by Healthcare Ready, a nonprofit organization that focuses on supply chain resilience, and funded by the Health Resources Services Administration.
Here are four key takeaways:
- Forty-four percent of critical pediatric medical supplies come from a single source, which increases the risk of supply shortages when disruptions occur.
- Fifty-six percent of children’s hospitals have lost experienced staff since the COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting care delivery.
- As hospitals upgrade digital systems, many are exposed to cybersecurity threats, including potential data breaches and service disruptions.
- While multiple federal bills address healthcare supply chain resilience, most do not specifically address pediatric needs.
